Energy and Climate in the Urban Built Environment

5

Heat-island effect

M. Santamouris,Department of Applied Physics, University of Athens

 

 

DEFINITIONS AND PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES

Air temperatures in densely built urban areas are higher than the temperatures of the surrounding rural country (Figure 5.1). The phenomenon known as the ‘heat island’ was first noticed by meteorologists more than a century ago,¹ and is the most well documented phenomenon of climatic modification. According to Landsberg, the heat island is present in every town and city and is the most obvious climatic manifestation of urbanization.²

Higher urban temperatures have a serious impact on the electricity demand for air conditioning ...